Macular Vision

The macula is a vital part of the retina that is responsible for our central vision. It is involved in processing the light rays entering the central vision field. It is rich in cells called cones that convert light rays into impulses that travel through the optic nerve to the brain. Macular vision is about fine details, color and reading. Macular vision is intrinsic to our good vision. Problems in macular vision are usually due to drying out of certain areas of the macula or wet patches. Macular degeneration happens largely due to aging. Dry Macular degeneration or non-exudative macular degeneration is what is mostly noticed. It does not cause as much damage as wet macular degeneration. Symptoms of dry macular degeneration appear gradually and there is no treatment for this. Wet macular degeneration happens rather rapidly due to abnormal blood vessels in the retina. Photo dynamic therapy (laser) and anti-VEGF inhibitors are used to treat wet macular degeneration. Retinal photographs, visual acuity test, Amsler Grid and Fluorescein Angiography are tests that help determine macular vision problems.